Shark Species Found in Hong Kong Waters

Hong Kong's subtropical coastal waters host diverse shark species, though most are rarely encountered:

Confirmed Species

• Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) – Common in shallow reefs; <1.6 m.
• Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) – Coral areas; 1–2 m.
• Bamboo Sharks (Chiloscyllium spp.) – Small, bottom-dwelling; night active.
• Spadenose Shark (Scoliodon laticaudus) – Inshore, estuarine; <1 m.
• Smooth-hound Sharks (Mustelus spp.) – Continental shelf.

Rare / Vagrant

• Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) – Occasional visitor.
• Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great) – Offshore/deep.
• White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) – Extremely rare; temperate preference.

Conservation

• Hong Kong banned shark fin possession/sale (2013)—major trade hub historically.
• Marine parks (Hoi Ha Wan, Tung Ping Chau) protect habitats.
• Citizen science (HK Shark Report) tracks sightings.

Shark attacks in HK are virtually nonexistent. Most species are small, shy, and reef-associated.